Canberra Institute of Technology launches voluntary redundancy program to cut costs

The Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) has opened an expression of interest process for voluntary redundancies covering all permanent staff as part of its Sustainable Workforce Program. The institute says the scheme is entirely voluntary, with no compulsory layoffs, and that applications will be assessed against operational and educational needs.

CIT is seeking to improve its financial sustainability after reporting a $28.3 million operating deficit for 2025 and a significant drop in student enrolments – a 28 % decline over five years, attributed to COVID‑19 impacts and a strong local job market. The institute’s board emphasised its responsibility to students, staff, industry partners and ACT taxpayers, and pledged to maintain course delivery without disruption while reviewing contracts, vacancies and organisational structure.

Skills, Training and Industrial Relations Minister Michael Pettersson noted the government continues to invest in CIT, underscoring the broader public‑sector pressures driving the cost‑saving measures.